A Little Name Help Please

[Orchonubee]

In Florida I have a problem with tags. Storms & sun destroy them over the years. I will be grateful for someone to help restore the name to this species orchid. The fragrance is intoxicating!

[MattWoelfsen]

I think this is Aerides multiflora?

[Orchonubee]

Originally Posted by MattWoelfsen

I think this is Aerides multiflora?

Thank you, much appreciated.

[PaphMadMan]

Though there are similarities, this appears to be Rhynchostylis gigantea rather than Aerides multiflora. The broad Rhynchostylis leaves with visible stripes is probably the easiest difference to see in these pictures. Aerides leaves are narrow without obvious striping.

[Paphluvr]

Originally Posted by Orchonubee

In Florida I have a problem with tags. Storms & sun destroy them over the years. I will be grateful for someone to help restore the name to this species orchid. The fragrance is intoxicating!

Have you thought of using the metal tags sold in garden centers? Usually made of thin aluminum, they can be scribed with a wooden stylus that usually comes with them or with a vibro-erching pencil. Might get lost in a storm but they won't bleach out.

[Orchonubee]

Originally Posted by Paphluvr

Have you thought of using the metal tags sold in garden centers? Usually made of thin aluminum, they can be scribed with a wooden stylus that usually comes with them or with a vibro-erching pencil. Might get lost in a storm but they won't bleach out.

Thank you for your suggestion.
Yes, I have, and they corrode after several years, and are no longer legible. I think my solution to the tag problem is to renew every few years. I have perhaps 60 fruit trees, and potted plants besides orchids to keep up with, so it's a bit of a challenge. I can't tell you how many tags I have brought in and carefully examined with a bright light and magnifying glass to no avail.

[Roberta]

It looks exactly like my Rhyncostylis gigantea that is blooming now. That would be my guess.

As for tags... what are you using to write with on them? I use plain old #2 pencil, and it never fades. Plastic tags do eventually become brittle and need to be replaced if they break, but my plants are outdoors with lots of sun, and the writing outlasts the tags. I don't know of any ink (except maybe genuine India ink) that is as durable. Pencil can be easily erased if necessary, if you rub the tag the writing will come off, but being fine graphite powder, it survives rain and sun with no problem.

If you want REALLY durable tags, if you can get some old aluminum mini-blinds and cut pieces for tags, then write on them with pencil, you'll have tags that will last for many, many years.

[Orchonubee]

Much thanks for the replies. After examining several pictures, I believe my orchid is a Rhyncostylis gigantea, and I have created a new label.

[Fairorchids]

Absolutely Rhy gigantea (std. color form).

For labels, whatever material you want to use, then use paint pens (available in art supply stores). Then the name will never fade or peel off.